Subject: So. Studies/Sciences: Geography/Cultures

Asian Studies Series

Japan: Sumo Basho

Best Film Gold Award -Houston Intl. Film Festival
"Highly Recommended. An excellent documentary that examines the art, nobility and religious ceremony associated with Sumo wrestling." -CAITC Review
"Highly Recommended. You'll be impressed with this documentary in two ways: the athleticism of these behemoths is surprising - you probably guessed that part - but even more unexpectedly, the excitement generated by only seconds-long confrontations is amazingly intense." -Mike Antonucci Review
"Sumo wrestlers are living icons - heroes of a national sport framed by religious symbolism." -T.R. Reid, National Geographic
This award-winning, classic documentary offers viewers not only a rare look at the lifestyles of Japan's loving national treasures, Sumo wrestlers, but also the opportunity to witness the first accredited Sumo wrestling basho (tournament) held in the United States, which was organized by Yoshihiro Uchida and took place in San Jose, California, in 1993. Viewers will truly enjoy viewing this powerful art, which, originally performed at shrines in religious ceremonies and for Japanese nobility, has evolved to become Japan's national sport. As we go behind the scenes to visit with two of the sport's legendary rikishi, the Hawaiian-born Akebono (Taro), the first American ever to reach Yokozuna, the highest rank in Sumo, and the Hawaiian-born Konishiki (Yasokichi), the first American to reach Ozeki, the second highest rank in the sport, we understand why. We meet Olympic skating champion Kristi Yamaguchi, who understands how devoted these athletes are to preserving the tradition of this sport. Here we see a sport steeped in legend, history and ceremony, dating back thousands of years with ties to Samurai warriors and Shinto religious beliefs and rituals. And as the excitement of the tournament unfolds, we see matches between Akebono, Konishiki and Yokozuna Takanohana. Produced by KETH-TV, USA Productions and The Mill Valley Film Group. 2010DR/CL IJSCA 30 min.
Also See: Japan; Japan; The Japanese Empire: 300 A.D. to 1800 A.D.; Japan: Ainu People of Hokkaido; Japan: Concrete Jungle